Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Three reasons why Browns will make the playoffs

The Browns have not made the playoffs since the 2020 season. But here are three reasons why their dry streak will come to an end this season.

Joe Flacco

Cleveland seems to have finally found its quarterback after losing Deshaun Watson for the rest of the season. Flacco, who was sitting on his couch a couple of weeks ago, led the Browns (8-5) to an impressive 31-27 win over the Jaguars (8-5).

The 16-year veteran completed 26-of-45 for 311 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception. His big day resulted in head coach Kevin Stefanski naming him the starter for the rest of the season, which was certainly the right decision as Flacco gives the team the best chance to win.

Can win with anybody

The Browns became just the 13th team since 1950 to have four different quarterbacks (Flacco, Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker) start multiple games in a season, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. What's even more impressive is that Cleveland has won a game with all of them.

It just further proves how talented of a roster the team has and that as long as it has competent quarterback play, it may be able to contend for a Super Bowl this season. The Browns' sixth best rushing attack (131 yards per game) in the league mixed with their defense, which is allowing the fewest yards per game (263), has them as a team nobody wants to face come January.

Remaining schedule

Cleveland currently sits at the AFC's No. 5 seed, and it has a great opportunity to keep it that way. ESPN has given the team an 80.8 percent chance to make the postseason as its four remaining opponents have a combined record of 24-28.

It feels as though the Ravens (10-3), who are the AFC's No. 1 seed ahead of "Monday Night Football's" doubleheader, are going to win the AFC North. But the Browns could very well end the season with the second best record in the division and as the top wild card in the AFC.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Insider names frontrunner in Browns' QB competition after drafting Shedeur Sanders
Yankees offense goes nuclear in blowout win
Giannis Antetokounmpo rips Tyrese Haliburton's father for 'disrespectful' act
Celtics make unique NBA playoff history in Game 5 win
How Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers saga will end
Juan Soto's bat speed decline threatens Mets' $765 million investment
NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft
Insider suggests four-time Pro Bowl option for Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
Watch: Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton eliminate the Bucks in OT
Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes advance, panic time for Maple Leafs
Jayson Tatum's historic game helps send Celtics to Eastern Conference semis
Pirates ace Paul Skenes explains why he's not concerned about potential injuries
Steelers may have found another steal in UDFA pool as Pittsburgh lands an athletic freak
49ers sign star TE to four-year extension
Spurs' Stephon Castle runs away with Rookie of the Year Award
Kings to make Doug Christie new head coach in full-circle moment
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy sends strong message about whether he's ready to start in 2025
Pistons' Cade Cunningham comes alive in fourth quarter to stave off elimination vs. Knicks
Cubs defeat Pirates with an impressive night at the plate
Watch: Blue Jays' Daulton Varsho makes potential catch of the year